The site of St Mary Abchurch is on high ground near what is considered the most ancient part of London. The first building dated to around the end of the twelfth century. The present church is one of Wren’s latest, being constructed between the years 1681 and 1686. The appendage to the name is of uncertain origin. Stow says that ‘Abchurch’ is derived from ‘Upchurch’—that is, up on a rise above the river. There is also the possibility that the name came from an early benefactor, someone named Abbe or Abba.
This is a square building faced with red brick (once again exposed after the bombing) and stone dressing. It is topped by a lantern and uncomplicated spire. But this very plain outside houses one of the finest small-church interiors in London. Its unique feature for a Wren church is the domed ceiling supported by four brick walls. Upon this ceiling is a painting, executed about 1708, depicting female figures representing the Christian virtues. This painting, though exposed to the elements by the bombing, is now much like the original thanks to architect Godfrey Allen and painter Walter Hoyle.
A majority of the original furnishings of St Mary Abchurch remain, including carved doorcases, poor boxes, a marvellous font featuring the four Evangelists, pulpit (with even the original steps), carved pews— and most magnificent of all, an elegant reredos known by documentation to have been carved by the masterful Grinling Gibbons himself). Some fine monuments also remain, of which the outstanding example is that of Sir Patience Ward, Lord Mayor in 1680.